She said slowly: "No, I don't think I will— not on the telephone. But if you'd like to come round to-night after dinner; I'm having a little party here. It might amuse you and I might take you into a corner and tell you all about it."
I said: "I wonder is this really true? Do you know I believe you've made up this very dramatic story just to get me along to your party. You can't resist me, can you, Bettina?"
She laughed. She said softly: "You know, Michael, I told you last night you were a bit of a bastard and I was smiling when I said it. In a minute I shall tell you that you're a lot of one. Are you coming?"
"Nothing can keep me away," I said. "I've got one or two things to do this evening, but with a bit of luck I shall be with you about half-past nine. I'd like that very much. Thank
